People

Faculty Members

A  |  B  |  C  |  D  |  E  |  F  |  G  |  H  |  I  |  J  |  K  |  L  |  M
N  |  O  |  P  |  Q  |  R  |  S  |  T  |  U  |  V  |  W  |  X  |  Y  |  Z

A


  • Anant MP Anatram

    Anant M.P. Anantram

    Professor
    Electrical Engineering


    206-221-5162 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our group develops methods in the theory and computational modeling of nanoscale devices, and applies them to emerging technologies. In particular, we are interested in emerging devices where quantum mechanics plays a fundamental role in determining device behavior. Such devices have the potential to impact the fields of low power electronics and bio/chemical sensing technologies. We use both methods developed by us and other groups to design and simulate nanodevices and explain experiments. Our current research involves charge transport in (i) emerging memory devices where atom movement is central to information storage, (ii) bio nanostructures (DNA and peptides), (iii) molecular nanostructures and (iv) solar cells.
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    Charles Asbury

    Associate Professor
    Physiology and Biophysics


    206-543-7808 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our lab studies the mitotic spindle, a molecular machine that organizes and separates duplicated chromosomes during cell division, thereby ensuring equal partitioning of the genetic material. To uncover how this machine operates, we are reconstituting spindle functions using pure components and applying new biophysical tools for manipulating and tracking individual molecules, such as laser trapping and ultrasensitive fluorescence microscopy.
  • William Atkins

    Professor
    Medicinal Chemistry


    206-685-0379 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our lab studies enzymes and proteins that participate in the detoxification of foreign chemicals, including therapeutic drugs. We are also studying therapeutic antibodies, other pharmaceutically important proteins, and several classes of nanoparticles to understand structure-function aspects of their tissue targeting, clearance, and in vitro stability.

B


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    David Baker

    Professor
    Biochemistry

    206-543-1295 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Professor Baker’s research aims to predict the structures of naturally occurring biomolecules and interactions and to design new molecules with new and useful functions. Building on intial computational designs, Baker uses experiment to better understand the principles underlying catalysis and binding in order to design novel proteins and enzymes.
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    François Baneyx

    Charles W.H. Matthaei Professor
    Chemical Engineering

    206-685-3451 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our research aims to improve the expression and folding of heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli, develop innovative sensors and sensing strategies, and build proteins capable of controlling the nucleation, growth, crystallography, assembly and reconfiguration of hybrid organic-inorganic-synthetic materials at the nanoscale.
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    John Berg

    Professor
    Chemical Engineering


    206-543-2029 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Optimization of adhesion and mechanical properties in particle and fiber reinforced polymeric composites.
    Particle charging in and electrical properties of colloidal dispersions in apolar media.
    Rheology and rheology modification in dense colloidal dispersions
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    Karl Böhringer

    John M. Fluke Distinguished Chair of Engineering and Professor
    Electrical Engineering
    and Bioengineering

    206-221-5177 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    In our lab, we work on many aspects of micro and nano electro mechanical systems (MEMS / NEMS). This research tends to be very interdisciplinary, and we have collaborations in biology, chemical engineering, bioengineering, computer science, and other departments. We have built, for example, self-assembling microstructures, biomedical implants, systems for docking of picosatellites, and walking microrobots.
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    Andrew Boydston

    Assistant Professor
    Chemistry


    206-616-8195 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our team’s research focuses on developing functional macromolecules capable of mechanochemical transduction. We explore fundamental aspects of how mechanical forces are distributed throughout polymeric and nanoscale structures, and how those forces can be harnessed to direct site-specific chemical reactivity. Using this knowledge, we engineer molecules to perform functions such as on-demand release of therapeutics or self-reinforcement of crosslinked networks.
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    Matt Bush

    Assistant Professor
    Chemistry


    206-543-7835 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    The Bush Lab works at the interface of analytical and biophysical sciences. We develop mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry technologies that provide novel insights into structures and assembly of biomolecular machines and biotherapeutics, and apply these technologies to targets that are heterogeneous, dynamic, and interact with complex chemical matrixes.

C


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    Charles T. Campbell

    Professor
    Chemistry


    206-616-6085 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Improving catalysts could minimize the use of fossil fuels, thus helping solve the energy crisis while decreasing greenhouse gases. Our group tries to clarify why catalyst modifiers act to promote catalytic activity or selectivity, and how nanoscale features of the catalyst surface can tuned to make better catalysts. In solar cells and LEDs, charge injection and extraction occurs at the interface between a metal or other conductor and one of the semiconducting materials (inorganic materials in most current commercial devices, but hopefully cheaper-to-make polymer films in the future). We also study the energetics and electronic properties of these interfaces.
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    James Carothers

    Assistant Professor
    Chemical Engineering


    206-221-4902 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our goal is to develop design platforms for engineering complex genetic control systems for fundamental and applied synthetic biology. In our work, we combine computational modeling, in vitro selection and genetic engineering to construct RNA-based systems that can process cellular information and program the expression levels of large numbers of genes. Our aim is to enable both better understanding of fundamental biological processes and applications to meet demands for renewable chemicals and new therapies.
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    David Castner

    Professor
    Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering


    206-543-8094 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our research is directed at obtaining detailed information about the surface composition and structure of biomaterials and the interaction of biomolecules with those biomaterials. Recent advances have made it possible to control chemistry on a local scale undreamed of only a few years ago. The dimensions of the lateral chemical variations are diminishing, the complexity of the molecules being introduced at the surface is increasing, and the manipulations of the surface moieties become ever more sophisticated. These advances offer great challenges and opportunities for biomedical surface analysis.
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    Carlos Catalano

    Professor
    Medicinal Chemistry


    206-685-3252 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Research in the Catalano lab focuses on molecular mechanisms of virus assembly in the double-stranded DNA viruses. We couple detailed enzyme kinetic analyses with biophysical and structural interrogation of the molecular motor that “packages” the viral genome into a capsid shell. Maturation of the nucleoprotein particle into an infectious virus is examined in defined reaction mixtures. The lambda capsid system is further harnessed for the construction of “designer” nanoparticles for use as therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
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    Champak Chatterjee

    Assistant Professor
    Chemistry


    206-543-2349 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Protein engineering using a combination of synthetic protein chemistry and molecular biology. We are generally interested in developing novel chemical approaches to site-selectively modify proteins in order to understand their regulation by reversible post-translational modifications. We are currently working in two areas, interrogating mechanisms of gene regulation by histone modifications and studying protein degradation pathways in tuberculosis. We also collaborate with several groups on campus to study biomedically relevant proteins.

D


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    Scott Dunham

    Professor
    Electrical Engineering


    206-543-2189 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Professor Dunham’s MolES-related interests lie in modeling and simulation of chalcopyrite (CIGS and CZTS), silicon and polymer photovoltaics. Efforts within the Nanotechnology Modeling Laboratory are focused on obtaining basic understanding of nanofabrication processes and device operation and applying that knowledge to produce better models, simulators, and devices.

G


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    Lara Gamble

    Research Associate Professor
    Bioengineering


    206-616-4173 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Dr. Gamble’s research focuses on surface modification and characterization of model biomedical systems including fundamental research towards the preparation and characterization of DNA and protein microarrays. She is also involved in the development of new techniques that will enable improved analysis of the biomolecule-surface interface and improved chemical imaging of biologically relevant samples.
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    Daniel R. Gamelin

    Harry and Catherine Jaynne Boand Endowed Professor of Chemistry

    206-685-0901 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Professor Gamelin’s research targets the development and physical characterization of new functional inorganic materials, with particular focus on semiconductor nanostructures and thin films for photophysics, spin-photonics, and solar energy conversion.
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    Xiaohu Gao

    Associate Professor
    Bioengineering


    206-543-6126 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our group designs and develops functional materials and structures on the nanometer scale. Examples include multicolor quantum dots for fluorescence imaging, magnetic nanoparticles for MRI, metallic nanoparticles for ultrasensitive detection, and polymeric nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Most recently, we are developing multimodality imaging probes by combining different materials into discrete nanostructures in order to utilize the strength of each individual component.
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    David Ginger

    Professor and Lawton Distinguished Scholar in Chemistry

    206-685-0901 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    The Ginger Research Group pioneers techniques such as time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy (trEFM) and photoconductive atomic force microscopy (pcAFM) to study nanostructured solar cells, energy efficient light-emitting diodes, and biosensors.
  • Sharona Gordon

    Associate Professor
    Physiology and Biophysics

    206-616-4861 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    We aim to understand the molecular interactions between membrane lipids and membrane proteins. Using ion channels regulated by signaling lipids, we study how lipid binding alters the structure and function of channels.

H


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    Hugh Hillhouse

    Rehnberg Chair Professor
    Chemical Engineering


    206-685-5257 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Professor Hillhouse’s research is focused on the molecular science and engineering of clean energy conversion devices. In the area of solar cells, research topics in his group span the range from fundamental studies of semiconductor nanocrystal growth, colloidal and interfacial chemistry, nanostructure self-assembly, and semiconductor defect chemistry to the development of novel device architectures that will enable roll-to-roll printing of low-cost high-efficiency solar cells from molecular and nanocrystal-inks.

J


  • Alex Jen

    Alex Jen

    Chair & Boeing-Johnson Chair Professor
    Materials Science & Engineering
    206-543-2626 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    1) Utilize molecular, polymeric, and biomacromolecular self-assembly to create ordered arrangement of organic and inorganic functional materials for photonics, opto-electronics, nanomedicine, and nanotechnology; 2) Employ the “molecular engineering” approach to tailor size, shape, sequence, and functionality of organic/hybrid functional materials and explore their applications.
  • Samson Jenekhe

    Samson Jenekhe

    Boeing-Martin Professor, Chemical Engineering
    Professor, Chemistry

    206-543-5525 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our research is focused on the molecular engineering of organic and polymeric materials for electronic, photonic, and energy applications. Our studies include synthesis, processing, self-assembly, structure-property relationships, photophysics, and charge transport of organic and polymer semiconductors. Ongoing device engineering applications include thin film transistors, photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, and photodetectors.
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    Shaoyi Jiang

    Professor
    Chemical Engineering


    206-616-6509 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Dr. Jiang’s research is on biointerfaces, biomaterials and biosensors, particularly the molecular understanding, design and development of zwitterionic functional materials. His work spans from molecular principles to product development for a wide range of applications such as medical devices, nanoparticles for diagnostics and drug delivery, antimicrobial coatings and marine coatings.

K


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    Eric Klavins

    Associate Professor
    Electrical Engineering


    206-616-1743 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    The Klavins Lab uses tools and methodologies from electrical engineering and computer science to develop detailed mechanisms that will inform the development of novel biological systems in the emerging field of synthetic biology. Topics of research interest include gene expression, auxin signal processing, synthetic multi-celled systems, and directed evolution.
  • Patrick Koelsch

    Research Assistant Professor
    Bioengineering


    206-685-0452 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    The characterization and control of solid/liquid interfaces is at the forefront of a range of topics including regenerative medicine, biofouling, implant technology, and medical diagnostics. My primary research activities originate from the need to probe conformation and orientation of biomolecules (DNA, peptides, proteins, antibodies…) in contact to a solid surface with molecular-level resolution and under standard conditions in situ and in vitro. Current research interests include structure-function models for biomolecules and ordering phenomena within the extracellular matrix of adherent cells.
  • Kannan Krishnan

    Campbell Chair Professor
    Materials Science and Engineering


    206-543-2814 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Materials Science with emphasis on nanoscale magnetic and transport (both charge and spin) phenomena in reduced dimensions, including their inter-coupling, to develop new paradigms for materials and devices in the context of novel information (storage, processing and logic) and energy technologies. And Bioengineering at the intersection of Magnetism, Materials and Medicine focusing on diagnostics, imaging and therapy, with appropriate translational research and commercialization activities.

L


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    Mary Lidstrom

    Professor
    Chemical Engineering, Microbiology


    206-685-7641 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Research in Dr. Lidstrom’s laboratory is focused on genome-scale analyses and manipulations of the metabolic network in methylotrophic bacteria, which are capable of growth on methane, methanol, and methylated amines. The long-term goal of this research is to develop environmentally sound and economically viable alternatives to current chemical production strategies, including conversion of natural gas to liquid fuels (Gas-To-Liquid technology).
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    Christine Luscombe

    Associate Professor
    Materials Science and Engineering


    206-616-1220 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Professor Luscombe’s research focuses on the design, synthesis, and applications of functional macromolecules. The group aims to develop new methods for making semiconducting polymers and to create new polymers with improved light absorption, charge transport, and stability. 
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    Jiangyu Li

    Associate Professor
    Mechanical Engineering


    206-543-6226 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    Our group is devoted to investigating the mechanics and physics of multifunctional materials and systems using tightly combined theoretical, numerical, and experimental investigations. We are interested in understanding the formation and evolution of microstructure in materials, clarifying their structure-property relationship, and optimizing microstructures and processing conditions for superior functional properties. We have been working on ferroelectrics, ferromagnetic materials, multiferroics, thermoelectrics, and electro-active polymers and composites, and we are currently focusing on global energy need through multifunctional materials design and synthesis. We are also probing electromechanical coupling in biological systems using piezoresponse force microscopy, with which we recently discovered biological ferroelectricity in soft tissues.

M


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    Alexander Mamishev

    Assistant Professor
    Electrical Engineering


    206-221-5729 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    The goal of our research is to create new sensor and automation technology applications in such fields as non-destructive testing, power engineering, and manufacturing control using latest advances in signal processing, robotics, and communications. We are particularly interested in developing energy-efficient electrohydrodynamic air movers and using dielectric spectroscopy for non-destructive testing and forensics.
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    Raymond Monnat

    Professor
    Genome Sciences and Pathology


    206-616-7392 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    The Monnat Lab is interested in the molecular basis of human disease, and how synthetic and engineering approaches can be used to understand, treat or prevent disease. Our specific research projects have focused on cancer biology and therapy, and on building genome engineering tools to enable cellular and synthetic biology disease applications.

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          Jennifer Nemhauser

          Associate Professor
          Biology


          206-543-0753 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The Nemhauser Lab is interested in understanding how signaling pathways fit into the broader contexts of time, location within an organism, and interaction with other signals. Specifically, we use a model plant called Arabidopsis thaliana to dissect the network by which seedlings change their form to take best advantage of their light environment. This process is called photomorphogenesis. Work from many groups over the past twenty years has produced a long list of factors linked to photoreceptors, the proteins that directly sense light and begin the process of photomorphogenesis. The goal of our research is to understand how these diverse proteins and small molecules create a robust and flexible network that shapes plant form.

O


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          René Overney

          Professor
          Chemical Engineering


          206-543-4353 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          Research in Overney’s Lab focuses on obtaining a fundamental understanding of material functionalities involving nano-confined complex molecular systems. We are particularly interested in i) identifying basic internal and external constraints that are responsible for “unique” material and transport properties, and ii) applying knowledge of molecular- and nano-constraints to material engineering in a rational fashion, with focus on the molecular building blocks, their subunits, and their temporal and spatial mobilities.

P


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          Peter Pauzauskie

          Assistant Professor
          Materials Science & Engineering


          206-543-2303 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The Pauzauskie Lab focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of nanoscale optoelectronic materials with unique compositions and morphologies. The group’s ultimate goal is to help answer challenging questions in the biomedical, information technology, and renewable energy sectors by understanding how a material’s atomistic structure impacts subsequent properties and long-term performance. Of particular interest is the molecular surface functionalization of inorganic nanocrystals for engineering new theranostic nanomedicines.
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          Jim Pfaendtner

          Assistant Professor
          Chemical Engineering

          206-616-8128 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The overall focus of my research group is the use of theory, modeling and simulation to investigate fundamental and applied problems related to energy, materials and biophysics.
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          Jonathan D. Posner

          Associate Professor
          Mechanical Engineering


          206-543-9834 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The Posner Research Group’s focus is micro- and nano scale transport physics at the interface of chemistry, materials, & biology. Specific research topics include microfluidic and nanofluidic devices, colloidal science and interactions at fluid and solid interfaces, synthetic nanomotors, environmental and health impact of engineered nanomaterials, electrokinetics, low Reynolds number fluid instabilities, and fuel cells.
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          Danilo Pozzo

          Assistant Professor
          Chemical Engineering


          206-685-3451 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          Our research focuses on understanding and controlling self-assembly processes in dispersed colloidal, polymeric and nanoparticle systems. This fundamental knowledge allows for manipulation of material properties for applications in solar energy, nanomedicine, separations and advanced coatings amongst others. We also develop in-situ neutron and x-ray scattering techniques to formulate structure-property relationships under realistic processing and use conditions.
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          Suzie Pun

          Associate Professor
          Bioengineering


          206-685-3488 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          Research in the Pun Group focuses on advancing macromolecule drug delivery technology by developing materials that overcome transport limitations in tissues and within cells. We are integrating techniques from engineering, chemistry, and cell biology to achieve this goal.

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          Buddy Ratner

          Professor & UWEB Director
          Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering


          206-685-1005 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          Medical devices and implants are engineered from specially designed materials, often referred to as biomaterials. Millions of devices and implants are used clinically in applications as diverse as blood vessel replacements, catheters, contact lenses, hip joints, ventricular assist devices and artificial kidneys. The biocompatibility of these prostheses is dictated by their surface properties and by the local mechanical environment they induce. In my research program, biomaterials are engineered to control biological interactions, synthesized, characterized and observed during interaction with biological systems.
        • Daniel M. Ratner

          Assistant Professor
          Bioengineering


          206-685-2840 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The Ratner Laboratory’s focus includes the development of synthetic and biophysical tools to analyze glycan-dependent interactions at the surface of cells, tissues, and biomaterials. Leveraging molecular engineering, carbohydrate chemistry, advanced surface modification and analysis, and label-free biosensing technologies, Professor Ratner aims to unravel the roles played by carbohydrates and glycoconjugates in biological systems and apply this knowledge to engineer new molecular diagnostics and therapeutics.

S


  • Mehmet Sarikaya

    Professor
    Materials Science & Engineering


    206-543-0724 | E-mail

    Research Interests
    The initiator of the cross-disciplinary Molecular Biomimetics field, Sarikaya’s major interests lie in peptide-based materials and systems in which bio/nano interfaces are designed to integrate biological structures with diverse functions of engineered solid materials. Selected through combinatorial mutagenesis and designed by bioinformatics, the interdisciplinary Lab has developed the genetically engineered peptides for inorganics (GEPIs). GEPIs are building blocks in directed/targeted assembly of nanoparticles and functional biomolecules; tiny enzymes, in biomaterialization, e.g., healing teeth; molecular linkers and erectors sets in biofunctionalization of surfaces, a potential key utility in molecular technologies and nanomedicine.
    GEMSEC web site
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          Georg Seelig

          Assistant Professor
          Computer Science & Engineering
          Electrical Engineering


          206-616-3885 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          We are interested in understanding how biological organisms process information using complex biochemical networks and how such networks can be engineered to program cellular behavior. The focus of our research is the identification of systematic design rules for the de novo construction of biological control circuits with DNA and RNA components. Our approach integrates the design of molecular circuitry in the test tube and in the cell with the investigation of existing biological pathways like the microRNA pathway. Engineered circuits and circuit elements are being applied to problems in disease diagnostics and therapy.
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          Daniel Schwartz

          Boeing-Sutter Professor and Chair of Chemical Engineering
          Materials Science & Engineering


          206-543-2253 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The formation and function of electrochemical materials and interfaces are critically affected by molecular adsorption and templating. Our group explores the use of engineered proteins as modifiers of nucleation and growth, as well as orchestrators of hierarchical structures. In separate efforts, we also explore innovative methods to convert waste materials, especially lignocellulosic feedstocks, into value added products.
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          Amy Shen

          Associate Professor
          Mechanical Engineering


          206-221-0372 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          My research program develops novel approaches in microfluidics to address complex and interdisciplinary questions at the interface of biology, chemistry and engineering. In particular, we couple hydrodynamics of self assembly fluids and external fields for applications in biosensor, single cell analysis, molecule assays, and novel hierarchically structured materials synthesis.
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          Nathan Sniadecki

          Assistant Professor
          Mechanical Engineering


          206-685-6591 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          Our lab investigates how cells are influenced by mechanical interactions at the micro and nanoscale. To pursue these goals, we are developing new tools – micro- and nano-devices, quantitative image analysis, and computational models – that we use to understand the underpinnings of biomechanics and mechanobiology. The greater impact of our work is to delineate how cell mechanics affect cardiovascular disease and cancer in order to catalyze new strategies for their treatment. By working at the intersection of mechanics and biology, we are increasing understanding of the theories of soft, active, and multifunctional materials.
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          David Stahl

          Professor
          Civil & Environmental Engineering


          206-685-8502 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          Professor Stahl’s group studies microbial community structure and function in many different habitats, including aquatic systems, extreme environments, animal guts, the human mouth, and contaminated systems. Molecular engineering-related research interests include electron transfer systems sustaining microbial food webs, adaptive evolution of synthetic microbial communities, and biological catalysts for the oxidation of reduced nitrogen species.
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          Patrick Stayton

          Professor
          Bioengineering


          206-685-8148 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          Our group is interested in elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of biomolecular recognition and applying the unique capabilities of biological molecules to biotechnologies. We would like to bridge the gap between understanding molecular structure-function relationships, and to be able to utilize proteins/peptides/DNA for in vivo drug therapies, bioseparations, diagnostics, and biomaterial development.

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          Minoru Taya

          Boeing-Pennell Professor
          Mechanical Engineering


          206-685-2850 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          In the area of molecular engineering, the Taya Group is interested in energy-harvesting based on thermoelectric semiconductors (both inorganics and organics), dye-sensitized solar cells, and electrochromic window with switchable dye molecules.
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          Wendy Thomas

          Associate Professor
          Bioengineering


          206-685-3300 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The Thomas lab studies regulated adhesive proteins. While we study protein allostery in general, we are particularly interested in mechanical regulation. A main interest is in “catch bonds” that are activated to bind by tensile mechanical force. In particular, we study mechanical regulation of proteins involved in bacterial infection and thrombosis. We also engineer smart regulated adhesives. In our “actibodies” project, we design activatable, antibody-like recognition proteins. In our “biocatch adhesion” project, we integrate catch bonds into adhesives that will allow medical robots to catch human tissue under force, and then release it, like nanoscale locking seatbelts.
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          Beth Traxler

          Associate Professor
          Microbiology


          206-543-5485 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The research in Dr. Traxler’s laboratory focuses on the genetic and biochemical analysis of protein folding and function. Recently, the lab has been involved in the development of materials for nanotechnology. Different proteins characterized in the lab’s genetic analyses are being engineered by the addition of polypeptide sequences that bind to various inorganic compounds. Those inorganic compounds can be arranged in predictable structures, based on the self-assembly properties of the substrate proteins. Examples include using different DNA binding proteins to organize inorganic nanoparticles along a DNA guide.

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          Liguo Wang

          Assistant Professor
          Biological Structure


          206-616-7894 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          We are interested in probing the structures of membrane proteins and their complexes, and understanding the molecular basis of their biological functions. We have developed a novel and general method, called “random spherically constrained” (RSC) single-particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM), to study membrane protein structures in membrane environments. This method does not rely on crystallization, and it can be, in principle, applied to any membrane protein. It not only preserves the membrane protein’s integrity and native conformation, but also enables access to biologically interesting states.
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          Kim Woodrow

          Assistant Professor
          Bioengineering


          206-685-6831 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          The Woodrow Laboratory is focused on the applications of engineered biomaterials in mucosal infections and mucosal immunity. Our long-term goals are to design and build multifunctional materials that will: (1) lead to novel preventative strategies against mucosal infections, (2) program protective immune responses at mucosal sites of pathogen entry, and (3) facilitate studies of mucosal infections and mucosal immunity in health and disease. These scientific goals are addressed from the perspective of fundamental science, technology development, and translational research.
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          Linda Wordeman

          Professor
          Physiology and Biophysics


          206-543-4135 | E-mail

          Research Interests
          We use high resolution live imaging and total internal reflection microscopy to study molecular motors and their role in mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome movement. At the single molecule level we evaluate motor control of dynamic microtubule assembly and disassembly. Of special interest are the forces driving oscillatory chromosome movement, mitotic spindle assembly and mitotic spindle orientation in live cells. Finally, we are interested in the advection of motors in live cells. In other words, how the kinetic parameters of single microtubule motors influences their translocation, distribution and function in cells and we are interested in modeling this activity in silico.

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        Paul Yager

        Professor and Chair
        Bioengineering


        206 543-6126 | E-mail

        Research Interests
        Professor Yager’s research interests lie in the areas of: microfluidic devices for chemical and biochemical measurement., development of point-of-care diagnostic instruments, microfabrication technologies for microfluidics, and development of microfluidic-specific methods of analysis of biological samples.
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        Qiuming Yu

        Research Associate Professor
        Chemical Engineering


        206-543-4807 | E-mail

        Research Interests
        The Yu Group focuses on two research areas: solar energy and biosensing. We synthesize new semiconductor nanomaterials for hybrid photovoltaics and utilize plasmonic nanostructures for enhancing light harvesting and conversion. We develop plasmonic nanostructures for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and new sensing platforms for chemical and biological sensing and detection.